A Milwaukee father charged with child neglect resulting in death after his 14-month-old son died from fentanyl poisoning is now on the run from law enforcement, exposing how deadly narcotics continue claiming innocent victims in American homes.
Story Snapshot
- Demetrius Hubanks faces felony charges after his toddler son died from fentanyl exposure from counterfeit pills
- Hubanks admitted to police he possessed fake Percocet containing fentanyl that was accessible to the child
- The suspect remains at large with an active warrant as law enforcement searches for his arrest
- Wisconsin has seen a 97% increase in fentanyl deaths from 2019 to 2021, including rising child fatalities
Father Admits to Possessing Deadly Counterfeit Pills
Demetrius Hubanks told Milwaukee police during an August 10 interview that he possessed counterfeit Percocet pills believed to contain fentanyl. The father admitted the fake pills were crushed and accessible to his 14-month-old son, who had been found unresponsive the previous day. Hubanks claimed he discarded the remaining pills after discovering his child’s condition, but the damage was already done to the innocent toddler.
Child Dies After Five-Day Medical Battle
The 14-month-old child underwent brain examination on August 9 after being discovered unresponsive while in his father’s care. Medical professionals worked for five days attempting to save the toddler’s life, but pronounced him deceased on August 14 after confirming brain death. The tragic timeline demonstrates how quickly fentanyl exposure can prove fatal, even with immediate medical intervention and the best efforts of healthcare professionals.
Suspect Evades Arrest as Charges Filed
Milwaukee County prosecutors filed charges against Hubanks between August 19-20, issuing a warrant for his arrest on neglecting a child resulting in death. The suspect remains at large and is actively evading law enforcement, complicating efforts to bring justice for the deceased child. This case highlights the concerning pattern of defendants fleeing prosecution in child endangerment cases involving illegal narcotics.
The child’s mother denied to police that drugs were present in the home, creating conflicting accounts about the household’s drug situation. Her statements contrast sharply with Hubanks’ admission of possessing and discarding the deadly counterfeit pills, reflecting a common dynamic in such tragic cases where family members may be unaware of drug presence or activity.
Fentanyl Crisis Devastates Wisconsin Families
Wisconsin experienced a staggering 97% increase in fentanyl-related deaths between 2019 and 2021, with the synthetic opioid now present in the majority of overdose fatalities statewide. Public health officials warn that counterfeit pills represent a growing threat vector, as they often contain lethal doses of fentanyl that users don’t expect. The proliferation of these dangerous substances in communities directly threatens family safety and child welfare.
This Milwaukee case reflects a disturbing national trend of accidental pediatric fentanyl exposures occurring in homes where adults possess illegal drugs. Similar prosecutions have occurred across the country, including a recent Arizona case where a mother received 12.5 years in prison for her infant’s fentanyl overdose death. These tragedies underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement and accountability measures to protect vulnerable children from deadly narcotics in domestic settings.
Sources:
Mother Sentenced in Infant Fentanyl Overdose Death
Milwaukee death of 14-month-old; father of child accused, on the run
Public Health Advisory: Fentanyl Increasingly Present in Overdose Deaths
Milwaukee death of 14-month-old; father of child accused, on the run
